Zoo Move & Groove 5K

JAN

17

2026

Run a festive evening 5K through Papago Park and into the Phoenix Zoo Lights, then enjoy up close animal encounters, a commemorative shirt, hot cocoa and after race lakeside activities. Proceeds benefit the zoo's conservation programs.

Sat 17 Jan 2026

Tempe, Arizona

Website

5 kilometers

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Event details

The Phoenix Zoo hosts the Zoo Move & Groove 5K on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Phoenix Zoo (455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008). The course passes through Papago Park and continues into the ZooLights display. The event is presented as an evening run that coincides with the zoo’s ZooLights season.

Included features and on-site activities

Registered participants receive a commemorative race t-shirt, ZooLights admission and a cup of hot cocoa. The event schedule includes pre-race up-close animal encounters and post-race activities at a lakeside area with tables showcasing animal stations and interactive displays. ZooLights offerings mentioned for the event include millions of lights, hundreds of lantern displays and a Lake Lights show with a tall floating tree. Carousel and camel rides are listed as available for an additional fee. Awards are planned for the top three finishers.

Registration and fundraising

The event offers an in-person race and a “Hibernate at Home” option. Published fee tiers include early-bird and standard pricing for the in-person race and a separate price for the Hibernate at Home option; a commemorative medal is available for purchase. The event supports the Phoenix Zoo’s conservation and education programs and includes fundraising and team options. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

5 km